The New York Giants have not had a player record double-digit sacks since 2014. The hope is that this changes in 2019, but it does not seem likely. The Giants do not look to have a strong pass rush heading into the new season.
Last season, the Giants struggled to get after the passer. The team recorded only 30 sacks and allowed 371.4 yards per game. The Giants’ defense needs to improve in 2019, and that obviously starts in week one against the Cowboys.
Why The Pass Rush Might Struggle
In week one, the Giants pass rusher needs to prove the doubters wrong. Unfortunately, they have an extremely tough matchup to start the season. The Giants will be traveling to Dallas in week one to face off with the division rival Cowboys.
The Cowboys possess one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. The line features three All-Pros: Tyron Smith at left tackle, Travis Frederick at center, and Zack Martin at right guard. This creates a difficult matchup for the Giants’ young and inexperienced pass rush.
Last year, Zack Martin allowed only three sacks and only committed one penalty. Tyron Smith allowed zero sacks and committed ten penalties. If that is any indicator, Lorenzo Carter probably will not be getting his first sack of 2019 in week one.
Why The Pass Rush Has A Chance To Surprise
It also means it will be arduous for Dexter Lawrence to get a sack in his first career game. The Giants’ 17th overall pick in the 2019 Draft is an underrated pass-rusher. In 2018, Dexter Lawrence totaled an impressive 33 pressures (Pro Football Focus). Dexter was often in the face of opposing quarterbacks. He also added 10 sacks in three collegiate seasons.
Lorenzo Carter is the Giants’ lead pass rusher this year. Unfortunately, he was disappointing in the 2019 preseason, recording not a single sack after tons of hype in training camp. But he is still the team’s best pass rusher and it is never good practice to read far into preseason play.
The Giants do not have one single standout pass-rusher, but they do have multiple solid rushers. Markus Golden is only two years and one injury removed from a twelve sack season. Oshane Ximines was the Giants’ third round pick and he was impressive in the preseason.
Most importantly for the Giants’ pass-rush in week one is defensive coordinator James Bettcher. The Giants’ defense has holes all over, but a great coach can cover up those holes. It will be up to Bettcher to scheme pressure against the Cowboys. If the Giants fail to pressure Dak Prescott, they will lose. It is crucial for the Giants to get after the quarterback and get off to a strong start in week one.